Let’s see how many readers have been around the block a few times….do you remember those ads in the backs of comic books and puzzle books? The ones touting art instruction scholarships or talent assessments?
This is not me, it’s a photoshopped image. But I kinda needed this little walk down memory lane!
Do you remember these kinds of ads? Did you ever “apply” to see if you had talent? I definitely remember Winky for sure, laboring to get that eye just right in drawing after drawing so I could be “seen” by all the right famous artists! ha!
I am STILL waiting for America’s 12 Most Famous Artists to get back to me and tell me I have piles and piles of natural talent….alas…..
Well I wasn’t discovered back then. But I still read those ads, and sent in to a bunch. I had hope! But the thing that I now realize as a mature artist that I didn’t know as a kid—there was an art puzzle that totally taught me a ton about drawing without realizing it.
Tutorial: I learned to draw from a 1972 puzzle book! (watercolor dog portrait)
I packed a ton of info in a 12 minute video. The best bit comes at the end so stick around!
Watch the video below and scroll to the end to leave comments or questions — or click HERE to watch it on YouTube and leave comments over there. I read both dutifully!
Happy Gotcha Day, G and V!
My babies arrived in 2016….hard to believe it’s been so long!
And now….classes!
I do hope these are worth the wait, some of you have been asking for years and years for this! I have a folder with over 30 more dog pics, and if these classes are popular I’ll get to them sooner – if you have a request for a breed, let me know!
Canine Companions I
Graphite & Watercolor Dog Portraits
Learn to draw three dog breeds first, then watercolor them to end up with lovely portraits of a Jack Russel Terrier, a Silver Lab, and a Yorkie! Gain sketching and painting skills that apply to all your art.
$39.99
*if purchasing 2 Canine Companions classes at the same time, you’ll receive 5% off both!
Canine Companions II
Graphite & Watercolor Dog Portraits
Learn to draw three dog breeds first, then watercolor them to end up with lovely portraits of a Basset Hound, a Boxer pup, and a Cattle dog! Gain sketching and painting skills that apply to all your art.
$39.99
*if purchasing 2 Pencil Pups classes at the same time, you’ll receive 5% off both!
Pencil Pups I
Graphite Dog Portraits
Learn to draw three dog breeds in graphite pencil: a Jack Russel Terrier, a Silver Lab, and a Yorkie! The course teaches sketching each dog, discussing how to render shapes, shadows, muscles, fur, and more.
$25.99
*if purchasing 2 Pencil Pups classes at the same time, you’ll receive 5% off both!
Pencil Pups II
Graphite Dog Portraits
Learn to draw three dog breeds in graphite pencil: a Basset Hound, a Boxer pup, and a Cattle dog! The course teaches sketching each dog, discussing how to render shapes, shadows, muscles, fur, and more.
$25.99
*if purchasing 2 Canine Companions classes at the same time, you’ll receive 5% off both!
Mystery Grid
This Mystery Grid is a throwback to my childhood when I loved puzzle books and got a thrill when one of these “grids” showed up in one. It’s how I grew to understand how the grid method works for transferring a photo or sketch into a larger size on a piece of paper—and you can download this one to try out! Instructions are in the PDF. Great project for young artists, too!
$00.00
WHEW!
It felt like a marathon getting all this ready before my upcoming trip – I hope my dog peeps are ready to have some fun!
Supplies
Some product may be provided by manufacturers for review and use. Compensated affiliate links are here at no cost to you. I appreciate your support of my work with your purchases! Full affiliate and product disclosure | My trusted partners in art
- Caran d’Ache Grafwood Pencils
- Pencil Extender
- Faber Castell Kneaded Eraser
- Electric Eraser, Mont Marte
- Arches Hot Press Sheet
- Daniel Smith Watercolors
- Winsor Newton Kolinsky Sable Series 7 Round #8
- Da Vinci Maestro Kolinsky Sable Round 4
Subscribe to receive blog posts by email:
9 Comments
Submit a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I remember them in the back of comic books. I sent them off several times but it was always returned with keep trying. Guess that’s why I do rubber stamping, I can’t draw! LOL. But I do love watching your creations! My favorite is the green potion bottle you did a few years back! (I finally did one similar and was pretty proud of it). That’s when I fell in love with your work!
Thanks for all your inspiration!
I grew up in Australia so I don’t specifically remember Winkie … but we did have those grid puzzles.
great video!!
I surely remember the “draw Winkie” ads but I don’t remember the mystery grids. They sure look like fun! So many of your classes are on my “some day” list. Guess the grid gets added on! TFS
So fun to see these again, decades later!
Your dogs are beautiful. Would like to see Greyhound, American Cocker and Chihuahua- my kids of course.
Yes, I definitely remember these! Every Sunday after church we stopped off for a comic book at our five and dime store. I’m going to be 60 in 2 months so I remember those contests were always near the ads for Sea Monkeys!
I DO remember drawing the little fawn. Great memory❤️
I DO remember those drawing puzzles! So fun!
OMG! I remember my Mom getting those drawing lessons in the mail! Thank you for the trip down memory lane! 🙂